1
2
as in populace
the body of the community as contrasted with the elite
tensions mounted until the people rose up in rebellion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in family
a group of persons who come from the same ancestor
introduced my new boyfriend to my people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to inhabit
to supply with inhabitants
a science-fiction novel about a mission to people Mars
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of people
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
If two or more people win the jackpot in the same drawing, the money is shared equally among all winning tickets.
—Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2025
Colonies founded by charters to private companies and peopled by restless dreamers gave us an entrepreneurial spirit from the outset.
—The Editors, National Review, 28 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for people
Plural noun
Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
If two or more people win the jackpot in the same drawing, the money is shared equally among all winning tickets.
—Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
By Meaghan Garvey February 13, 2025 Image by Chris Panicker, photo by Chris Weeks/WireImage
Know that all of Nature is but a magic theater,
that the great Mother is the master magician,
and that this whole world is peopled by her many parts.
—Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2025
Colonies founded by charters to private companies and peopled by restless dreamers gave us an entrepreneurial spirit from the outset.
—The Editors, National Review, 28 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for people
Recent Examples of Synonyms for people
Verb
-
Any of these entry points can become the path for ants, spiders, and rodents to inhabit the indoor space.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The music video is a single shot of Welch in the back of a car, singing along in a suit, sporting shades and a cigar, both mocking and inhabiting the position of male dominance.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
His canvases are populated by allegories.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In my view, though, there may not be enough appreciation for Denver’s ability to consistently execute its game plan in tight games, the kind that will populate the playoffs.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“People.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/people. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share